UN tribunal delayed over Milosevic health problems

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A United Nations tribunal delayed the opening of Slobodan Milosevic's defence case yesterday due to concerns about his health, and an independent lawyer said he may not be fit to continue his trial.

Judges said doctors for the 62-year-old former Yugoslav president had urgently warned he needed rest, and discussed details of his medical troubles in open session.

Reading from a physician's report, presiding Judge Patrick Robinson said Milosevic had suffered "organ damage" to his left ventricle due to high blood pressure and that it would not be sensible for him to begin presenting his defence as originally planned.

Milosevic, who is defending himself, appeared relaxed and fit in the courtroom, and objected when Robinson began discussing his medical file but was overruled.

Steven Kay, one of the independent lawyers assigned to ensure a fair trial for Milosevic, said fresh medical evidence put the continuation of the case in question.

"It's quite clear over the past five months that his health had been gradually declining," Kay told the panel of three judges. Based on new medical reports, "he is plainly not fit enough this week", to appear in court.

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Milosevic had been scheduled to give four-hour opening statement. His fragile health has repeatedly delayed the trial since it began in February 2002.